Reporting FWS Earnings on the FAFSA

Take steps to ensure that 2013 calendar year Federal Work Study (FWS) earnings do not affect your eligibility for need-based financial aid next year. If reported correctly on your 2014-2015 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the federal processor will exclude FWS earnings when calculating your ability to pay educational expenses.

Follow these instructions when you fill out the FAFSA to record your FWS properly:

Determine your 2013 calendar year (i.e.; January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013) FWS earnings. You can find paycheck information through MyMadison (Click on the EMPLOYEE tab!) or on your W-2 form provided by the JMU Office of Payroll Services. Employers mail W-2 froms to the home address in mid to late January.

Report ALL earnings from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 in the adjusted gross income (AGI) box of the FAFSA. Your AGI includes FWS earnings as well as any income from other jobs. (includes summer jobs)

Another question on the FAFSA will ask you to report just your FWS earnings from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. The earnings you report here will not count toward determining your financial aid eligibility.

Note: If you had two or more jobs at JMU during the 2013 calendar year, please contact the Student Work Experience Center to receive assistance with calculating your total FWS earnings.

If you have any questions, please contact the Student Work Experience Center at 540-568-3269 or email at studentjobs@jmu.edu.